Effects of recreational scuba diving on erythropoiesis–“normobaric oxygen paradox” or “plasma volume regulation” as a trigger for erythropoietin?

Previous studies have shown an increase in erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and a decrease in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit after only one recreational scuba diving session. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of repetitive scuba diving on RBC parameters and erythropoiesis. Divers (N = 14) conducted one dive per week over 5 weeks at a depth of 20–30 m for 30 min. For measuring RBC parameters, erythropoietin,...